PM Modi to Attend 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa, Commemorating Three Decades of Diplomatic Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a journey to South Africa today to partake in the 15th BRICS Summit, having received an invitation from President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of the host nation. BRICS constitutes a consortium of the world’s prominent economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Scheduled from August 22nd to 24th, this year’s BRICS summit assumes special significance as it marks Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to South Africa and commemorates three decades of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa.

South Africa holds the presidency for this year’s BRICS event, and the theme resonating throughout is “BRICS and Africa: Fostering Joint Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.” Noteworthy is the fact that this in-person summit represents a departure from three successive years of virtual meetings due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, in a preliminary briefing preceding Prime Minister Modi’s sojourn to South Africa and Greece, revealed that the host country, South Africa, had extended invitations to a diverse array of guest nations in addition to the core BRICS members. Kwatra also divulged that an Indian business delegation will accompany the Prime Minister, engaging in the Business Tracks sessions, BRICS Business Council assemblies, the BRICS Women Business Alliance gathering, and the BRICS Business Forum.

While specific details regarding the Prime Minister’s interactions with other leaders at the summit are being finalized, it is confirmed that he will be engaged in bilateral meetings. Notably, there will be a distinct event following the BRICS Summit, labeled “BRICS – Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue,” encompassing nations specially invited by South Africa. This occasion aims to extend dialogue and collaboration beyond the BRICS group, especially with African countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s presence at the 15th BRICS Summit will be virtual, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov leading the Russian delegation. President Putin is also expected to partake in a dedicated event labeled “Brics – Africa outreach and Brics plus dialogue,” echoing the broader participation framework with numerous African nations invited by South Africa.

Upon concluding his engagements in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary will lead him to Greece for an official visit on August 25th, in response to an invitation from the Greek Prime Minister.